First Wi-Fi Equipped RJ Flies for Delta

Delta Air Lines last month became the first airline in the world to provide in-flight Internet service aboard its regional aircraft with the launch flight of a Wi-Fi-equipped Bombardier CRJ700 operated by Delta Connection carrier Atlantic Southeast Airlines. Delta had previously announced its plan to expand the number of Delta aircraft–which currently includes its entire domestic fleet of more than 550 aircraft–with onboard Wi-Fi to an additional 250 regional jets operated by Delta Connection carriers. Delta will be the first carrier to deploy Wi-Fi across its entire mainline and two-class regional fleet, involving more than 800 aircraft.

The first regional jet equipped with Wi-Fi departed from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport with scheduled stops in Omaha, Neb.; Des Moines, Iowa; and White Plains, N.Y. throughout the day.

Delta expects to finish installing Wi-Fi on Delta Connection jets by early next year. Once installation is complete, all customers flying on Delta domestic flights with a first-class cabin will enjoy Wi-Fi access, including service on every Delta Shuttle flight between New York La Guardia and Boston and Chicago O'Hare and Washington, D.C.